The purpose of the Basic Business License Safety inspection is to ensure that single family rental properties are in compliance with the District of Columbia Building Codes.

The following information is obtained during the inspection process:

1. Is the premise occupied or to be occupied?
2. Are all occupants listed on the lease?
3. Is there a designate head of the household?
4. Is rent paid solely through the designate head of household?
5. Does the landlord/operator/caretaker reside off of the premise?

The following areas of a condominium and or house are checked during inspection process:

Basement

1. Is the basement habitable?
2. Is the ceiling height at least 6’8?
3. Are there firewalls between sleeping areas in the basement?
4. Are sleeping areas in the basement free of a gas meter?
5. Is there a second means of egress accessible in the basement?

All Levels

1. Are there breakaway bars on the windows as a mean of egress?
2. Are windows operating properly and are at least 36”wide, 24”in height as at least 44’ above the floor?
3. Are portable fire extinguishers mounted on each floor in each common area within the house/unit?
4. Are the smoke detectors working in all bedrooms and common areas within the house/unit?
5. Are the walls, ceilings and windows free of peeling paint, wide cracks and holes?
6. Are all doors operating properly?
7. Do all exterior doors contain thumb latches e.g., storm, house doors and iron gates?
8. Are floors sound and reasonably level?
9. Are steps firm and reasonably level (interior/exterior)?
10. Are handrails provided for interior and exterior steps over two?
11. Are electrical outlets in the kitchen and bathroom have GFI outlets and do they work properly?
12. Do electrical outlets in the kitchen and bathroom have GFI outlets and do they work properly?
13. Are there at least two (2) outlets in each room except the bathroom?
14. Does the house/unit have a washer that is hooked into the sewer system?
15. Does the house/unit have a dryer that is vented to the outside?
16. Do water closet flush mechanisms work properly on every level?
17. Is the heating system operational?
18. Are baseboards free of openings, rodents and vermin?
19. Are the appliances clean and in good working order?